British Heart Foundation: Understanding blood clots

Whether it’s an ice-cold glass of cola or a small shot of espresso, what you drink makes up an important part of your diet.

While the likes of energy drinks can spur on harmful clots within one hour of intake, other choices could stave off the gel-like clumps.

What’s more, the drink that could reduce your risk is already on the tap in your kitchen – water.

Dr Sunni Patel, from Dish Dash Deets, told Express.co.uk that the affordable option can slash the risk of clotting by improving blood circulation, thinning your blood, diluting it and preventing dehydration.

Dr Patel said: “Drinking an adequate amount of water helps maintain proper blood volume and promotes optimal blood circulation.

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“Sufficient hydration ensures that blood flows smoothly through the blood vessels, reducing the chances of clot formation.

“Water helps dilute the concentration of certain components in the blood, such as fibrinogen and platelets, which are involved in blood clot formation. 

“Adequate hydration keeps these components at optimal levels, reducing the likelihood of clotting.”

On the flip side, dehydration can make your blood thicker and more prone to clots.

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The doctor also explained that sufficient water intake supports proper kidney function which allows them to filter out waste products and toxins from your blood.

“This helps maintain a healthy blood composition and reduces the risk of clot formation,” Dr Patel said.

When it comes to the amount of water you need to drink to reap these benefits, it’s not that simple.

The doctor shared that factors like age, sex, body composition, activity level, climate, and overall health all play a role in hydration.

He added: “While there is no specific universal recommendation, a general guideline often cited is to drink at least two litres.

“However, it’s important to note that this guideline may not be suitable for everyone, and individual water needs may differ. 

“A more personalised approach to determining water intake is to listen to your body’s thirst signals. 

“Thirst is a mechanism that helps regulate fluid balance, so drinking when you feel thirsty is generally a good indicator that you need hydration.”

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